Kind-hearted and selfless. She wants to help others as much as possible.

"If I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it to the last article"

Loyal and strong willed. Never breaks a promise as she considers these highly important

Her relationship with Othello

"He shall in strangeness stand no farther off than in politic distance"

She speaks fondly of Othello, showing how she thinks he is without malice but only is doing what he thinks is the correct thing to do.

"The sooner, sweet, for you"-Othello

Although he is beginning to have doubts, Othello is still loving and shows that he cares about Desemona's opinions

"When shall he come? Tell me Othello."

She is persistent and isn't passive to her husband. Her strong demands contrast our expectations about the role of women in this period.

"If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I'll not believe't"-Othello

Othello struggles to cope with the idea that his wife is cheating on him because he sees her as pure and innocent. He compares her to a goddess.

Her nature & Characterisation

"I have no judgement in an honest face"

Self assured, but could be naive since she gambles too much on the action and reputation of another person

"She did deceive her father, marrying you"-Iago

Iago presents Desdemona as a liar and ironically as someone who can easily deceive/ manipulate people that they seem close to. This hints at her nature being rather more complex.

"Her name that was as fresh as Dian's visage is now negrimed and black as mine own face"-Othello

Her reputation and honour mean a great deal to Othelllo. Her status is considered a vital part of her identity. The way he compares her sin to his skin illustrates how he liked the fact that he was married to someone "above" himself.

Her self belief

"be merry, Cassio"

She doesn't want other people to worry as she knows that she can fix the problem

"within this hour, it will be well"

Optimistic and self-assured. She doesn't doubt her own abilities or Othello's nature